Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie) Recipe

Introduction

Tiropita, a beloved Greek cheese pie, combines creamy feta and ricotta wrapped in crispy, golden filo pastry. This savory treat is perfect for a light meal or an impressive appetizer that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 200 g feta cheese
• 250 g ricotta cheese
• 3 eggs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 16 sheets of filo pastry
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Honey, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the feta, ricotta, and eggs. Mash together until nearly smooth with small lumps from the feta remaining. Season with a pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper. Stir to combine and set aside.
2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 180°C fan (390°F) or follow your filo pastry packet instructions. Prepare a 2-3 inch deep baking tray by brushing the base and sides with a mixture of the melted butter and olive oil.
3. Step 3: Place a filo sheet on each side of the tray so that half the sheet is inside the tray and half hangs outside, creating flaps. Brush the filo with the butter and oil mixture, then place a filo sheet to cover the base of the tray. Repeat this layering and brushing process 6 times.
4. Step 4: Pour the cheese filling into the center of the tray. Gently tap the tray against the kitchen surface to level the filling. Fold the filo flaps over the filling, brush with the butter and oil mixture, then top with 6 more layers of filo, brushing each layer.
5. Step 5: Finish by brushing the top layer with the butter and oil mixture and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Slice into 6 pieces and serve with a drizzle of honey for a sweet contrast.

Tips & Variations

• Use a sharp cheese grater to crumble the feta for a smoother texture in the filling.
• For a richer flavor, add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the cheese mixture.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option without eggs, you can substitute eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).
• Brush each filo layer generously with the butter and oil mixture to ensure a crispy, golden crust.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes to refresh the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the filo soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Tiropita ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pie and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just cover it tightly to prevent the filo from drying out. Bake fresh for the best texture.

Is it possible to freeze Tiropita?

Tiropita can be frozen before baking. Wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.

Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie) Recipe

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4.4 from 85 reviews

Tiropita, a traditional Greek cheese pie, features a creamy filling of feta and ricotta cheeses encased in layers of crispy, flaky filo pastry. Baked to golden perfection and topped with sesame seeds, this savory pie is perfect served warm with a drizzle of honey for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Savory Pie
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Filling

• 200 g feta cheese
• 250 g ricotta cheese
• 3 eggs
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Pastry & Topping

• 16 sheets of filo pastry
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Honey, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the crumbled feta, ricotta cheese, and eggs. Mash the mixture until it is nearly smooth, leaving a few small lumps from the feta for texture. Season with a pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper. Stir well to combine and set aside.
2. Preheat and Prepare the Tray: Preheat your oven to 180°C fan (390°F) or follow the filo pastry packet instructions. Take a 2-3 inch deep baking tray and brush the base and sides thoroughly with the mixture of melted butter and olive oil.
3. Layer the Base Filo: Place a filo sheet on each side of the tray, positioning half the sheet on the tray and the other half hanging over the edge to create flaps. Brush this sheet with the butter and oil mixture. Then, line the base of the tray with a filo sheet and brush it with the butter and oil. Repeat this layering process six times, brushing each sheet with the butter/oil mix to ensure crispiness.
4. Add the Cheese Filling: Pour the prepared cheese filling into the center of the filo-lined tray. Gently tap the baking tray against the kitchen counter to even out the filling.
5. Fold the Filo Flaps and Layer the Top: Fold the filo sheets hanging over the sides (the flaps) back over the filling to enclose it. Brush with more butter and oil, then cover the top with six more sheets of filo, brushing each layer generously with the butter and oil mixture.
6. Final Touches and Baking: Brush the final top layer with the remaining butter and olive oil mixture. Sprinkle the surface evenly with sesame seeds. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until the filo pastry is golden and crispy.
7. Serve: Remove the tiropita from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Slice into six pieces and serve with a drizzle of honey for a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.

Notes

• Be gentle when working with filo pastry as it is delicate and can dry out quickly. Keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel.
• The amount of salt used in the filling should be minimal due to the salty nature of feta cheese.
• Ensure to brush each filo layer generously with butter and olive oil to achieve a golden, crisp texture.
• For added flavor, consider mixing fresh herbs such as dill or parsley into the cheese filling.
• Serve warm, as the pastry crisps up nicely but can soften when cold.

Keywords: Tiropita, Greek cheese pie, feta cheese, ricotta, filo pastry, savory pie, Greek cuisine, easy cheese pie